The Fallen Soldier: Krow
Abandoned Construction Site – North Industrial Sector
01:00 AM
The sound of metal striking concrete echoed through the desolate area. Rion stood in the darkness, watching a broad-shouldered man pushing his body through an extreme physical workout. The man was **Krow**, a former military sniper dishonorably discharged for refusing an order to massacre civilians in an overseas conflict. Now, he was nothing more than a bottom-tier "cleaner" for small-time gangs in Ironport.
Rion stepped out from the shadows. Krow stopped instantly, his hand reflexively reaching for the commando knife tucked into his waistband.
"You have the posture of a soldier, yet you live like a sewer rat," Rion said coldly.
Krow glared at Rion with eyes that were tired but filled with hatred. "The soldier died when I left the battlefield. Who are you? If you're looking to hire a hit, find a middleman at the nearest bar."
"I don't need a mercenary anyone can buy," Rion countered. He tossed a hollowed-out .50 caliber casing toward Krow. "I need artillery. Someone who can hold back a police platoon alone while I do my job."
Krow caught the casing, weighing it in his palm. "Why should I help you?"
"Because I'm giving you a worthy enemy," Rion replied. "Not some low-life drug dealer, but the system that discarded you. Join me, and you'll regain your dignity as the deadliest weapon in this city."
Krow remained silent for a long time before finally nodding slowly. "I'll need new gear. The best."
The Urban Butcher: Zack
Underground Meat Market – Slum District
03:30 AM
Ren walked past rows of hanging meat that emitted a sharp, metallic stench. She was searching for someone known as Zack, a quiet man who managed a butcher business by day but was a master of anatomy and bladed weapons by night. Zack was known for his ability to neutralize a target without a sound, using techniques he had learned as a butcher since childhood.
She found him cleaving a cattle carcass with terrifying efficiency. Blood splattered against his plastic apron.
"Zack?" Ren asked softly, yet her voice carried authority.
Zack didn't stop. He merely gestured with his head for her to speak.
"I have a problem with some 'guests' from Osaka arriving in this city," Ren said, circling the butcher's table. "They are loud and crude. I need someone who can teach them how to be quiet... forever."
Zack stopped and drove his knife into the wooden table with a heavy *thud*. He looked at Ren, his eyes vacant as if devoid of emotion.
"I don't like disturbances in my market," Zack said in a deep, raspy voice.
"Then clear the disturbance before they reach it," Ren replied. She placed a stack of cash on the table, beside Zack's knife. "This is a down payment. I'm not just paying for your service, but for your loyalty. Never ask who I am, and I'll ensure you never run out of fresh meat for this business."
Zack took the money, shoving it into his apron pocket without counting it. "Give me a name and a location."
The Expanding Circle
At the penthouse, Rion was cleaning his sidearm when Ren returned. They both sat in the spacious living area, looking out toward the harbor that would soon become the epicenter of chaos.
"Two more are in," Rion reported without turning. "Krow. He'll be our fortress if the diplomatic route fails."
"And Zack," Ren added. "He'll be the shadow that clears the small trash without leaving a trace. He doesn't say much, but his hands are masterful with a blade."
"Good," Rion murmured. "Key, Lea, Krow, and Zack. Each of them is a specialist, yet they remain strangers to one another. We are the only bridge between them."
Rion stood up, walking toward the large glass window. "Now, we have brains, eyes, shadows, and weapons. The chessboard is full, Ren. Tomorrow night, when Sinclair's raid begins, we'll see if this machine we've built can shatter Ironport or not."
Ren stood beside him, leaning her head against Rion's shoulder. "This city won't know what hit it, Rion. They're too busy hating each other, while we are building a storm."